Country vs. Pop? The NFL Just Addressed the Halftime Show Rumors, and George Strait’s Fans Aren’t Letting Go. ML
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Spot Stirs Debate — But Roger Goodell Says the Show Will Go On
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is standing firm behind Bad Bunny, even as a swelling online movement calls for his removal from the Super Bowl LVIX halftime show in favor of George Strait, the “King of Country.”
At a press event this week, Goodell told reporters the league remains “confident it’s going to be a great show,” despite the mounting controversy.
“It’s carefully thought through,” he said. “Every artist we’ve ever picked has faced some kind of criticism. It’s pretty hard to please hundreds of millions of people.”
He praised Bad Bunny — a global superstar, Grammy winner, and streaming juggernaut — for representing modern pop culture. “He’s one of the leading entertainers in the world,” Goodell continued. “This is an important stage for us, and we want artists who reflect that.”
The statement came just days after a viral petition on Change.org surpassed 70,000 signatures, demanding the NFL choose Strait instead. The petition’s creator wrote that Strait “embodies the heart and soul of American music” and called for a halftime show that “honors tradition” and “remains family-friendly.”
The petition criticized Bad Bunny’s flamboyant style and occasional drag performances, claiming they “don’t align with what families expect on football’s biggest stage.”
While Goodell didn’t address the political undertones directly, he suggested Bad Bunny would avoid controversy. “He understands the platform he’s on,” the commissioner said. “It’s going to be an exciting, united moment.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is no stranger to headlines. He’s an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights — something that’s made him both a cultural icon and a lightning rod for conservative backlash.
Those seeking a different kind of show will have one: Turning Point USA, a conservative organization, is planning an “All American Halftime Show” to air at the same time as the Super Bowl broadcast. Its website invites visitors to vote for “anything in English,” leaving little doubt about the show’s ideological stance.
Despite the controversy, Goodell isn’t backing down. His message was clear — the NFL wants a global stage that reflects today’s world, and Bad Bunny isn’t going anywhere.
